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Ballast Quantity For Track Calculator

Work out ballast quantity for track instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Ballast Quantity For Track Calculator

Ballast volume is length times cross-sectional area (width times depth under the sleeper), and mass follows from bulk density, typically 1.5-1.6 t/m3 for crushed granite. Depth under the sleeper is the governing dimension: it spreads axle load onto the formation and provides drainage.

Formula

Ballast quantity

volume = length x width x depth; tonnes = volume x bulk density

Worked example

With the default values below, Ballast Quantity For Track Calculator returns Ballast required of 2,008.80. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Track length
1,200 m
Ballast depth under sleeper
300 mm
Ballast shoulder-to-shoulder width
3.6 m
Ballast bulk density
1.55 t/m³

Results

Ballast required
2,008.80 t
Ballast volume
1,296.00 m³
Ballast per track metre
1.67 t/m
Wagons at 60 t each
34 wagons

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Ballast quantity
  3. 3Ballast required= 2,008.80 t
  4. 4Ballast volume= 1,296.00 m³
  5. 5Ballast per track metre= 1.67 t/m
  6. 6Wagons at 60 t each= 34 wagons

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
  • Rail results are planning estimates only. Verify against the infrastructure manager's rule book, approved braking curves and applicable railway safety regulations.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Rail results are planning estimates only. Verify against the infrastructure manager's rule book, approved braking curves and applicable railway safety regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ballast depth is used?

Usually 250-350 mm under the sleeper on main lines, more where the subgrade is weak or axle loads and speeds are high.

Why does bulk density differ from rock density?

Ballast is angular stone with large voids. The rock itself is about 2.65 t/m3 but the loose bulk figure is around 1.5-1.6 t/m3.

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